The USA international moved to the Stadium of Light from the Eredivisie side on Tuesday, putting pen to paper on a four-year deal.

Altidore spent two successful seasons with AZ, scoring 50 goals in 93 games across all competitions, including the game-winning goal in the KNVB Cup final win over PSV Eindhoven in May, and Di Canio is thrilled with the firepower he now has at his disposal.

"I’m really pleased because a new arrival can benefit the squad and also individuals because there is competition up front," Di Canio told Sunderland's official website.

"Altidore is one of the top strikers in Europe. He only joined us on Tuesday, but I’m very happy, curious and excited because I have a very good attacking side at the moment."

Altidore's transfer marks his return to English football, having featured for Hull City in the 2009-10 campaign while on loan from Villarreal, and he recently spoke of his eagerness to impress in the Premier League.